List all the prime factors of 30.

The prime factors of 30 are 2, 3, and 5. To find this, you can start by dividing 30 by the smallest prime number, which is 2. Since 30 is even, it divides evenly into 2, giving you 15. Next, break down 15 by dividing it by 3 (the next prime), which results in 5. Finally, 5 is a prime number itself! So, 2, 3, and 5 are the prime factors that multiply together to give 30. Prime factorization is not just a math trick; it has real-world applications in cryptography! The security of many encryption algorithms hinges on the difficulty of factoring large composite numbers into their prime factors. This principle underlies the security of online transactions, keeping sensitive data safe from prying eyes! So every time you shop online, you're benefiting from the wonders of prime factorization in action.